Post 218 Juniors Win Ninth District Tournament

Spencer Juergens made his return to the pitching mound pay off Saturday afternoon for the Washington Post 218 Junior Legion team.

Juergens, who hadn't pitched since early in the season, tossed a four-hit shutout to lift Post 218 to the Ninth District Tournament championship over Pacific, 4-0.

Both teams have qualified for the Zone 1 Tournament which starts Thursday at Rotary Recreational Complex - Ronsick Field.

Over 106 pitches, Juergens allows four hits, two walks and struck three batters. He fanned seven Post 320 batters.

Post 218 Manager Phillip Kleekamp said Juergens went beyond his projected pitch limit, but indicated he was still feeling good through the seventh inning.

Pacific got a gutsy pitching performance from its starter, Austin Muich. Pacific Manager Cory Cowsert said Muich was a double-rostered player who pitched most of the season on the Post 320 Freshman roster.

Over six innings, Muich allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits and three walks. He struck out five batters.

Washington's Seth Bollmann and Nathaniel Hillermann along with Pacific's Tyler Gerling each had two hits in the game.

For most of the game, it was a one-run contest.

Washington scored in the bottom of the first inning. Ryan Becszlko singled home Bollmann to put Post 218 on top.

While both teams had chances, it wasn't until the bottom of the fifth when Washington added to its lead.

Ross Seitter led off by putting down a bunt and reaching on an error. Seitter stole second and scored on an Aaron Meyer single to center field.

Meyer went to third when Hillermann reached on a bunt and both scored on a single by Justin Baylard to center field.

That proved to be enough for Juergens, who held on through the top of the seventh for the win.

In other Legion action, the Washington Post 218 Freshman team reached the championship series of the Ninth District Tournament against Wentzville with wins over St. Peters Friday and Elsberry Saturday.

The Post 218 Seniors won their pool at the Blue Springs Wood Bat Tournament with Friday wins over the Lee's Summit Post 189 Pirates and Elsberry. Post 218 plays Saturday evening against Warrensburg in the quarterfinals.

Full American Legion baseball coverage will be in the Wednesday Missourian.